X470: The World's First Fully 3D Printed Hydraulic Excavator

X470: RC Hydraulic Excavator (1/16 Scale)

The X470 is a 1/16 scale excavator model featuring a fully 3D printed hydraulic system, making it the first of its kind.

The design and testing of this model took over 1.5 years to complete. It was exclusively designed to demonstrate that a fully functional hydraulic excavator can be manufactured using FDM 3D printing technology.

TWYN X470: Xperimental 47 ton hydraulic excavator. TWYN is our range of Fully 3D printed heavy vehicle scale models

Development videos: YOUTUBE Playlist

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Send your order number to get access to exclusive channel - Discord

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Key Features:

• 3D printed Hydraulics: The X470 has a complete hydraulic system, including a 3D printed pump, valves, and pistons. It operates with Johnson baby oil (a synthetic mineral oil, maybe not for babies).

• Performance Capabilities: With the arm fully extended, the X470 can lift up to 1.5 kg. Each piston can generate up to 12 kg of force, delivering strong hydraulic power. The hydraulic system has a working pressure of 10 bar.

• Strength & Rigidity: The structural rigidity of the X470 is achieved solely through its design, without the use of metal plates or bars for reinforcement. While it may not match the strength of commercial metal counterparts, it is quite strong for a model made entirely of PLA.

• Hydraulic seal: The mating surfaces of the hydraulic components are printed on a glass bed. The smooth finish provided by the glass bed contributes to a good seal, ensuring that the pump and valves maintain effective hydraulic integrity.

• Materials: The pistons are made with aluminum pipes and 3D printed end-caps; PU tubes are used for hydraulic tubing.

• Colors: The model is printed using Esun PLA in the five recommended colors (Orange, Dark Grey, Light Grey, Transparent, White and Black). No painting required!

• Ultra Realistic: We ensured the aesthetics matched the excavator’s performance. The X470's cabin features a detailed cockpit along with functional cabin and work lights; No compromise on operator comfort ;)

• Motors: The model uses BLDC outrunners which are also used in drones: a 3536 DYS motor for the pump, A2212 motor for swing, and two 2004 Emax motors for the tracks. The travel motors are powered via a 4-pin audio jack (used as the slip ring).

• Power: The X470 uses four LiFePo4 cells (32650 size) to make a 4S battery pack. Unlike most models, the weight of this battery pack is an advantage, as it is strategically placed at the back of the body to act as the counterweight for the excavator.

• Weight: The X470 weighs 3.8 kg. While this is not scale-accurate due to PLA's lower density compared to metal, a 47-ton excavator would weigh about 11.47 kg at 1/16 scale if constructed from metal.

• Assembly Information: well detailed step-by-step assembly manual with clear instructions is available. MANUAL

• The Cost: The estimated cost to build the excavator is around $400 due to the high-quality components used. It’s important to note that this cost can vary significantly by geography. BOM

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Disclaimer:

This model is very advanced and not for the faint of heart. It requires significant time, patience, and expertise to build. The 3D printed hydraulics are a world’s first and have never been done before, making this model more complex than typical 3D printed projects.

Everyone who purchases this model will get access to an exclusive discord server for asking questions and receiving technical throughout the building process. For those who are ready to embrace this unique challenge, you are welcome to us on this adventure!

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We recognize that this disclaimer will impact our sales, but we want to ensure that no customer feels they have taken on more than they can handle.

Cura 3MF

All the settings are embedded in the cura files. Currently Cura is the recommended slicer since its better for and small parts.

Minimum 200 x 200 mm build plate required
Glass plate is also required for printing hydraulic parts

It it highly recommended to tune your printer first